There are a lot of things that intrigue me about Jesus. One of the aspects of His ministry that has always produced jaw dropping, head scratching responses is His upside down teaching about life.

As we continue through life, most of us get to the point where we are comfortable with our routine, job and achievements. We become happy with what the future holds and think that we’ve got it all figured out. Yet Jesus interrupts us in the midst of our routines and calls us to a new and better way. But beware! This encounter with the ways of Jesus will be challenging.

Consider these teachings: to live you must die (Mark 8:35); to gain you must give (Matt. 19:21); “blessed are those who mourn” (5:4); to rule you must serve (Luke 22:26); and suffering has purpose (5:10-11).

It is statements like these that make people think Christ is strangely out of touch. But we are the ones out of touch. He is not upside down, we are! We’re like children who think they know better than their parents.

No wonder God tells us, “My thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways My ways” (Isa. 55:8). So, rather than relying on our mixed up instincts, let’s ask Him to help us reflect His ways.

Author

Joe Stowell

Topics

Our Daily Bread